New

Principal Vehicle Systems Engineer (Mechanical)

Bay Area Rapid Transit
$144,443.00 - $218,831.00 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan, pension
United States, California, Hayward
Dec 16, 2025
Marketing Statement Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program. Job Summary Pay Rate $144,443.00 / annually (MINIMUM) to $218,831.00 / annually (MAXIMUM) - (Non-Represented Pay Band 8) Initial salary is negotiable between $144,443.00 - $181,637.00 to commensurate with experience and education. The first review of applications will take place on December 26, 2025 REPORTS TO Manager of Vehicle Systems Engineering or designee. CURRENT ASSIGNMENT This announcement will be used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months. The Principal Vehicle Systems Engineer (PVSE) is responsible for planning, overseeing, assigning, reviewing, and participating in the work performed by staff engaged in the design, repair, overhaul, evaluation, and reliability assessment of BART transit vehicles. This includes work on electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems and components, as well as their operational interactions within the Vehicle Systems Engineering Department. The PVSE will manage both internal engineering staff and external contractors and will be responsible for completing performance evaluations for direct reports. As the lead engineer in the Rail Vehicle Systems Engineer series, the PVSE also investigates major transit vehicle equipment failures, determines root causes, and performs other related duties as assigned. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in major vehicle systems such as HVAC, pneumatics, interior systems, propulsion, friction brakes, trucks and suspension, carbody structure and crash energy management, auxiliary power supplies, doors, communications, surveillance and information systems, vehicle wiring, train control management, and vehicle automatic train control systems. Comfortable working in a shop environment, communicates ideas clearly, influences outcomes without formal authority, and proactively identifies and resolves engineering challenges. The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies beyond the minimum qualifications in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process: Possesses advanced technical expertise in railcar engineering and plays a key role in ensuring reliable revenue vehicle operations. Provides senior-level engineering oversight for vehicle systems, managing complex projects from initiation through completion while demonstrating strong diagnostic, testing, and troubleshooting capabilities. Skilled in designing and implementing system improvements that enhance railcar reliability, maintainability, availability, and overall performance. Brings experience handling time-critical projects, supported by exceptional report writing abilities and proficiency in developing technical procedures. Selection Process Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes. The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and a panel and/or individual interview. The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S; Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations). Application Process External applicants may only apply online, at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112. . Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs , or on Web BART. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688. All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself. Examples of Duties Develops and integrates plans, budgets, and implements the large-scale rail vehicle electrical or mechanical engineering and procurement projects for the District; may serve as the resident engineer on assigned electrical or mechanical engineering projects. Establishes schedules and methods for providing rail vehicle engineering project services; ensures adherence to specifications; identifies resource needs; monitors the progress of Rolling Stock and Shop maintenance and overhaul; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly. Administers consultant contracts; reviews work to ensure compliance with specifications; recommends change orders; maintains records and processes expenditures. Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures. Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements approved policies and procedures. Oversees, reviews, and approves the preparation of electrical or mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications; coordinates work with other divisions and departments; may sign and stamp design drawings; monitors the activities of engineering design staff. Coordinates work with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; administers control of required documentation for contracts; identifies technical engineering issues and ensures compliance with District and industry engineering standards. Participates in the review of consultant proposals and designs and recommends awards; conducts or participates in the pre-bid conferences prior to procurement contract awards. Initiates and evaluates design and field engineering changes during fabrication; recommends approval of and submits contractor's progress payments; recommends retention levels as appropriate; participates in intermediate and final inspections. Prepares or reviews a variety of reports and correspondence on assigned rail vehicle electrical or mechanical engineering projects including Inspector's Daily Reports, monthly and final completion reports, contract negotiations and modifications, and field and design engineering changes. Participates in the preparation and administration of Rolling Stock and Shops project budgets; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures. Prepares analytical and statistical reports on assigned electrical or mechanical engineering operations and activities. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of electrical or mechanical engineering. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Experience: The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time professional verifiable electrical or mechanical transit vehicle systems engineering or related experience. License or Certificate: Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California is preferred. Other Requirements: Must be physically able to conduct field inspections and testing as assigned. Working Conditions Environmental Conditions: Shop environment; exposure to electrical energy; travel from site to site. Physical Conditions: May require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; work or inspect in confined spaces; work around heavy construction equipment. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of: Principles and practices of electrical or mechanical engineering design, mechanical engineering and construction Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation Design principles and practices for rail and transit vehicles Principles and practices of project scheduling and management Methods and techniques of conducting equipment inspection and investigation Principles and practices of contract administration and management Principles and practices of engineering cost estimating Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations Skill/Ability in: Analyzing complex engineering problems, evaluating alternatives and recommending solutions Supervising, organizing, and reviewing the work of lower-level staff Selecting, training, and evaluating subordinate co-workers Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures Directing and coordinating complex engineering projects Negotiating consultant design and vehicle maintenance contracts Managing and administering consultant engineering contracts Interpreting and preparing revisions to engineering plans, drawings, and specifications Conducting and overseeing vehicle maintenance equipment inspections, investigations, measurements, and testing Preparing clear and concise reports Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Equal Employment OpportunityGroupBox1 The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov. Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs.